Title
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement #079-S1611 with Michael Baker International, Inc., to provide services in an amount not to exceed $135,015 for a term of one year from the date of final execution to:
1) Identify alternate routes for the Rubicon Trail around Wentworth Springs and Wintercamp, two areas known to have Saturated Soil Conditions during winter months; and
2) Provide the necessary mitigation requirements for California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act environmental review for the identification of alternate trail alignments on the Rubicon Trail.
FUNDING: California State Parks, Off Highway Motor Vehicle Division Grants.
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DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division recommends the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign Agreement #079-S1611 with Michael Baker International, Inc. to Identify alternate routes for the Rubicon Trail around Wentworth Springs and Wintercamp and provide the necessary mitigation requirements for California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act environmental review for the identification of alternate trail alignments on the Rubicon Trail. The County does not have staffing, expertise or equipment available to complete the necessary mitigation requirements for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review for the identification of alternate trail alignments on the Rubicon Trail.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The proposed study for Alternate Trail Routes for the Rubicon Trail focuses on two (2) segments of the Rubicon Trail, Wentworth Springs Campground and Winter Camp Area. There are seven areas identified in Exhibit "C" of the Easement grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service on August 14, 2012. Of the seven areas, two areas proposed for alternate routes have historically been areas where Saturated Soil Conditions have been observed and has resulted in trail closures. The intent of the study and associated California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental review is to identify alternate trail alignments around these areas. It is anticipated that these alternate routes will close the original trail in the winter and provide an alternative route where saturated soils do not exist. In the summer season, the original trail and the alternate routes would be available. Both trail alignments will require both CEQA and NEPA clearance.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION
CAO recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the referenced agreement.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
County received a planning grant in 2013. Matching funds are budgeted in the amount of $74,500 from SMUD funds.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk of the Board will forward one fully executed original to the Chief Administrative Office, Parks Division for distribution
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
CONTACT
Vickie Sanders, Parks Manager
530 621-7538